A macro-micromechanics analysis of a notched metal matrix composite

Technical Report · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:6083421

Bigelow, C A; Naik, R A

A macro-micromechanics analysis was formulated to determine the matrix and fiber behavior near the notch tip in a center-notched metal matrix composite. Results are presented for a boron/aluminum monolayer. The macro-level analysis models the entire notched specimen using a three dimensional finite element program which uses the vanishing-fiber-diameter model to model the elastic-plastic behavior of the matrix and the elastic behavior of the fiber. The micro-behavior is analyzed using a Discrete Fiber-Matrix (DFM) model containing one fabric and the surrounding matrix. The dimensions of the DFM model were determined by the ply thickness and the fiber volume fraction and corresponded to the size of the notch-tip element in the macro-level analysis. The boundary conditions applied to the DFM model were determined from the macro-level analysis. Stress components within the DFM model were calculated and stress distributions are presented along selected planes and surfaces within the DFM model, including the fiber-matrix interface. Yielding in the matrix was examined at the notch tip in both the macro- and micro-level analyses. The DFM model predicted higher stresses (24 percent) in the fiber compared to the global analysis. In the notch-tip element, the interface stresses indicated that a multi-axial criterion may be required to predict interfacial failure. The DFM analysis predicted yielding to initiate in the notch-tip element at a stress level 28 percent lower than predicted by the global analysis.

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, VA (USA). Langley Research Center
• OSTI ID: 6083421
• Report Number(s): N-91-10128; NASA-TM--102728; NAS--1.15:102728
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360603* -- Materials-- Properties
ALUMINIUM
BORON
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
ELASTICITY
ELEMENTS
FIBERS
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MATRIX MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
METALS
NOTCHES
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
PLASTICITY
SEMIMETALS
TENSILE PROPERTIES